10 Awesome Life Sim Video Games You Forgot They Existed

The Sims may be the cornerstone of the life-sim genre, but these forgotten video games take an approach with some alternative concepts.

The Sims 5 is officially live, and the broader franchise has completely defined the true-to-life sim genre. However, living a virtual life in a fictional world can take many forms while still paralleling the realistic aspects of simulated video games that gamers love so much.

There are a lot of great experimental games that still fall into this category. Fans, however, may have completely forgotten about the gaming experience, as larger series dominate the industry for the foreseeable future, along with other sims that could accompany anything from career progression to city-building.

Animal Crossing (2001)

It might seem odd to suggest that any aspect of the Animal Crossing saga has been forgotten, but with the success of the latest installment, it's almost hard to remember where the franchise started. For those who like to relive the classics, this might be the best option.

Nintendo's Animal Crossing originally released on the Game Cube. While the graphics can't match today's games, this fictional world offers a great simulated reality to explore as players build a character and take control of their town Funny and quirky concept. A life sim at its core, and an important part of the franchise's history, it deserves further praise.

Coral Island (2022)

Coral Island did not receive mainstream releases like some of its competitors, and despite being released this year, has remained overlooked by many. Kickstarting a KickStarter campaign, Coral Island is developed by Stairway Games, published by Humble Games, and available on Steam.

Inspired by such classic games, this is a combined life and farm sim that allows players to explore the island's lush vegetation while continuing to maintain their land while interacting with the locals. Customization is key, and the game's romance element means it's a far cry from traditional gardening games.

Virtual Families (2009)

Last Day of Work first brought the Virtual Families concept to market in 2009, and the title has since grown into several sequels on various platforms. Whether on mobile or on Steam, the game is essentially a Sims-style game, albeit with streamlined mechanics.

It's been forgotten because it's far outranked it in the competition, but it's still a competent and entertaining game that captivates viewers Build their virtual family from the ground up and control every aspect of their existence. From budding romance to interior decor, it hits every staple an audience could hope for.

Club Penguin (2005)

Club Penguin isn't the first thing many people think of when they think about the genre, but many of the components that build this social game also apply to life sims. Players must create their own penguins, design their igloos, form relationships and forge the digital community of their imagination.

PC Gaming builds an entire virtual life that just happens to involve wobbling around. Even though the Disney and RocketSnail Games titles have come to an end, there are still several fan-made experience continuations in support. Club Penguin is aimed at a very specific generation, but as a sim game especially geared towards younger players, it should be brought back into the memories of many.

Spore (2008)

Spores were an interesting concept when they were first introduced. A god game and a life sim, the title has captivated players from its inception. They will form their species and watch how it evolves over the centuries, from an animal to a living being. perception.

The establishment of civilization, the development of technology and the continuation of life mimic the trajectory of human development in the history of the earth. For some, the game didn't live up to expectations and was left in the archives, but many more should remember Maxis for its award-winning PC title.

Second Life (2003)

Second Life was a huge success when it was released, and was a novel concept, but as support for online play dwindles, fewer and fewer gamers are even aware of the sim these days. Still, the Linden Lab title is still accessible today, with recent innovations attempting to reinvent the franchise.

Second Life is a virtual world where players can create their own avatars and live a full life in this alternate reality. Now, with the Metaverse and virtual reality on the horizon, Second Life seems far ahead of its time. From home decor to fashion, from the digital dating game to career advancement, this edition has it all.

Avakin Life (2013)

Some players may like the idea of ​​a virtual world similar to Second Life, but may want a simplified iteration of the concept that has more fun elements than trying to Fully simulates every aspect of the real world. Avakin Life provides the solution.

The game from Lockwood Publishing is a mobile experience, available on Android, iOS, and ChromeOS, and acts as a 3D life simulation with colorful edges. Designed for a teenage audience, the title encourages players to design their avatars, dream homes, work on their dream jobs and socialize with fun NPCs from the community.

WorldBox (2012)

God simulators and life sims share many similarities, and WorldBox manages to balance the two subgenres nicely. The game explores a virtual world that players build from scratch. The level of detail of the story and the inhabitants of this world is up to them.

However, an aspect of the game is also the destruction of these civilizations. Available on Android, iOS, Linux, and Steam, this indie game by Maxim Karpenko is a whole new level of accessible city builder that reflects kingdoms and societies, while never forgetting avatars itself.

Spiritfarer (2020)

Spiritfarer is one of those games that can be easily incorporated into other genres such as the RPG series. With its gorgeous graphics and intriguing mechanics, as well as its quirky characters, Spritfarer is a life sim unlike any other viewer may encounter.

Conceived by Thunder Lotus Games and published on platforms including Steam, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, the sandbox action game provides players with an intriguing story and insight into what it takes to build relationships and learn about this beautifully designed game. game landscape. It's another level of fantasy, but allows players to live a unique life full of mystery and shipbuilding!

The Guild 3 (2017)

THQ, Purple Lamp, and GolemLabs brought audiences The Guild 3, a hugely successful franchise despite its original concept not making mainstream headlines. Fans have always loved the idea of ​​a life-sim system with an interesting set of mechanics powering it.

From trade and barter to farming and survival and city building, The Guild 3 incorporates many genre tropes in a way that favors setting choices. Unique to the Steam version, the Guild saga is based on a medieval kingdom that players can control and attempt to inhabit!